STRATEGIES
Bachelor's degree in biochemistry, biology, or chemistry qualifies one for laboratory
technician or research assistant positions. Choose courses with laboratory work.
Get on the job experience in a laboratory and/or complete a senior research
project. Complete a certificate training program, usually one year, to learn
specialized laboratory techniques. Take a course in grant writing.
Earn master's degree in biochemistry for better positions, advancement opportunities,
more responsibility and higher pay. Obtain Ph.D. to direct research projects
and lead research teams.

STRATEGIES
Complete an accredited teacher preparation program for certification/licensure
in biology and/or chemistry. Ph.D. required for college or university teaching.
Some teaching positions in two-year institutions may be available for those
with a master's degree. Prepare to attend graduate school by maintaining a high
grade point average and securing strong faculty recommendations. Serve as a
tutor for high school or college students. Learn to communicate effectively.

STRATEGIES
Plan on attending medical school or other related graduate program. Maintain
an outstanding grade point average, particularly in the sciences. Secure strong
faculty recommendations. Meet with a pre-health advisor periodically. Join related
student organizations. Demonstrate leadership abilities. Volunteer to work in
a hospital or healthcare setting. Find a summer job or internship in a hospital.
Develop a back up plan in case medical/graduate school admission is denied.
Consider alternative but related careers such as physician assistants. Research
all of the various fields within medicine to determine a particular career goal.

STRATEGIES
For sales positions, gain sales experience through internships, part-time work,
or summer jobs. Take business and/or computer classes. Become familiar with
desktop publishing and other software packages. Develop strong written and oral
communication skills. Get experience writing for a school or local newspaper.
Obtain an MBA or Ph.D. to reach high levels of administration. Plan on attending
law school if interested in law.

GENERAL INFORMATION
As an undergraduate, seek laboratory experiences such as research projects,
volunteering with professors, summer jobs, or internships.

Participate in research programs sponsored by organizations like the National
Science Foundation and the National Institutes of Health.

Consider a certificate program or specialized master's program to qualify for
research technician positions.

Earn master's degree for greater variety and autonomy on the job.
Earn a Ph.D. to work on high-level research projects, to direct research programs,
to enter high levels of administration, and to teach at four-year post-secondary
institutions. Postdoctoral fellowships may also be required.

Learn to work independently and as part of a team.

Develop the ability to communicate clearly.

Gain competencies in computers and mathematics.

Read scientific journals and join related professional organizations.

Combine an undergraduate degree in biochemistry with a degree in law, computer
programming, business, education, information science, or other discipline to
expand career opportunities.

Prepared by the Career Planning staff of Career Services at The University of
Tennessee, Knoxville. (2005) UTK is an EEO/AA/Title VI/Title IX/Section 504/ADA
/ADEA Employer